American University @ Cincinnati Men’s Basketball Game Preview: Prediction, Betting Outlook & 4 Prop Bets

Date: Monday, November 2, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET Location: Fifth Third Arena — Cincinnati, Ohio TV/Streaming: ESPN+ Radio: 700 WLW Tickets: As low as $7; prices may change Records: American 0-0 | Cincinnati 0-0 Spread/Total: Not verified

The player props below are proposed targets, not confirmed sportsbook offerings. College player props vary by sportsbook and jurisdiction; confirm availability, lines and prices before wagering.

Prediction & Matchup Preview

The Jerrod Calhoun era officially begins Monday night when Cincinnati hosts American University at Fifth Third Arena.

The Bearcats enter after an encouraging exhibition schedule: a 79-68 win over Ohio State, a 105-96 loss to Illinois and a commanding 97-58 victory over Oakland.

Those results suggest offensive promise, but defensive consistency remains a question.

American brings a useful test. Duane Simpkins’ Eagles are the Patriot League preseason favorites and return their top three scorers.

Cincinnati’s Advantage

Calhoun has several offensive options, allowing the Bearcats to attack without depending entirely on one player.

MJ Collins Jr. scored 22 points against Oakland, while Myles Colvin added 15. Cincinnati made 15 of 29 three-pointers and generated 31 assists on 39 baskets.

That ball movement is more meaningful than expecting another night above 50 percent from beyond the arc. If Cincinnati consistently creates open shots, it can remain productive even when shooting returns to a more ordinary level.

Depth also matters. The Bearcats received 46 bench points against Oakland, giving Calhoun opportunities to change combinations without abandoning an aggressive approach.

However, allowing Illinois to score 105 points showed that offensive firepower alone does not guarantee control.

American’s Path to an Upset

American’s experience is its best starting point.

Madden Collins averaged 13.4 points last season, Greg Jones contributed 12.5 and Julen Iturbe supplied another established scoring option. Jones also earned preseason Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year recognition.

The Eagles need that core to handle Cincinnati’s pressure, limit empty possessions and make the Bearcats defend beyond the first action.

Eric Michaels’ return after missing last season through injury adds a frontcourt option, allowing Iturbe to spend more time at power forward.

American cannot afford to trade rushed jump shots with Cincinnati. Patient offense, defensive rebounds and disciplined transition defense offer a better route to keeping the crowd from fueling a decisive run.

Four Prop Bets

Prop Bet #1: MJ Collins Jr. Over 14.5 Points — Proposed Line

DraftKings

4.5/5

MJ Collins Over 14.5 Points — Proposed

• 22 Points vs. Oakland
• Perimeter Scoring
• Target Line Only

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Collins enters after an efficient exhibition finale, scoring 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting. He can benefit from Cincinnati’s spacing and willingness to move the ball.

Fifteen points clears this proposed target. The main concerns are shared scoring responsibility and reduced minutes if the Bearcats build a large lead.

Prop Bet #2: Myles Colvin Over 1.5 Made Three-Pointers — Proposed Line

FanDuel

4.6/5

Colvin Over 1.5 Threes — Proposed

• 5 Threes vs. Oakland
• Floor Spacing
• Target Line Only

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Colvin made five three-pointers against Oakland, demonstrating the perimeter threat he brings to this offense.

Two makes would clear the proposed line. American must protect the paint without losing track of him, although one strong exhibition should not be mistaken for a reliable shooting trend.

Prop Bet #3: Tylen Riley Over 3.5 Assists — Proposed Line

Caesars

4.4/5

Riley Over 3.5 Assists — Proposed

• 5 Assists vs. Oakland
• Multiple Scoring Options
• Target Line Only

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Riley recorded five assists without a turnover in 16 minutes against Oakland. Cincinnati’s shooters and interior targets give him several ways to create baskets.

Four assists is the proposed benchmark. His workload remains important because Calhoun has other playmakers, and a deep rotation can limit individual opportunities.

Prop Bet #4: Madden Collins Over 11.5 Points — Proposed Line

BetMGM

4.5/5

Madden Collins Over 11.5 Points — Proposed

• 13.4 PPG Last Season
• Returning Leading Scorer
• Target Line Only

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American’s returning scoring leader should be central to its efforts to remain competitive. His prior production supports considering a modest target rather than projecting a breakout against stronger opposition.

Twelve points clears this proposed line. Cincinnati’s defensive pressure and the possibility of difficult attempts make this the most cautious of the four leans.

Players to Watch

MJ Collins Jr. — Cincinnati: Scoring and perimeter efficiency.

Myles Colvin — Cincinnati: Outside shooting that stretches the defense.

Tylen Riley — Cincinnati: Decision-making and offensive organization.

Madden Collins — American: The Eagles’ returning leading scorer.

Greg Jones — American: Experienced scoring and defensive leadership.

Julen Iturbe — American: Frontcourt offense and lineup flexibility.

Keys to the Game

Cincinnati: Maintain ball movement, finish defensive possessions and avoid relying exclusively on three-pointers.

American: Protect the basketball, make Cincinnati defend patiently and prevent easy transition baskets.

Betting Prediction & Verdict

Cincinnati is the outright pick, with depth, home court and multiple scoring options providing the stronger overall outlook.

A spread or total recommendation requires verified numbers. American’s experience could keep the opening stages competitive before Cincinnati creates separation.

Final Score Prediction: Cincinnati 87, American 67.

Picks Summary: Cincinnati to win. Proposed props: MJ Collins over 14.5 points, Colvin over 1.5 threes, Riley over 3.5 assists and Madden Collins over 11.5 points.